It's winter so I find myself eating more soups and stews. They can be so good on a cold day.

But IMO celery tastes horrible and only subtracts from the flavor of soup by covering up other flavors. Why is it such a common ingredient? Do people actually like enjoy or is it serving some other purpose?

(Yes I avoid it in other foods too. Not to go off topic but water chestnuts are a fantastic substitute if you like the crunch. Try them instead of celery next time you make stuffing.)

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[–] 61 points 10 months ago (13 children)

Celery is part of the mirepoix trinity. Celery, carrots and onions , cooked low and slow in fat before adding to soup. It makes a sweet and savoury vegetable soup base.

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  • [–] [S] 5 points 10 months ago (10 children)

    But why celery and not some other vegetable? Because it's cheap?

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  • [–] 29 points 10 months ago (6 children)
  • [–] [S] 6 points 10 months ago (5 children)

    But so are alliums? (garlic, leeks, shallots, etc) Those can be amazing in soup.

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  • [–] 5 points 10 months ago (2 children)

    I think at some point you may need to admit that this post is essentially “I don’t like this thing, why does everyone else?” This is subjective and cultural, not logical. You don’t have anything objective against celery, you just think it ”tastes horrid.” You’re entitled to that opinion. But I don’t understand why you seem to struggle so much with the idea that others don’t share it. Personally I think garlic is absolute magic, but I can 100% accept that others may not like it the same way, and some may be violently repelled by it. 🤷‍♂️

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  • [–] [S] 0 points 10 months ago* (1 child)

    think at some point you may need to admit that this post is essentially “I don’t like this thing, why does everyone else?”

    That's true of a lot of things. My question is why it's so extraordinarily prevalent. Onions I understand as they are very dynamic. But I have a friend who hates onions 🤷

    I don’t understand why you seem to struggle so much with the idea that others don’t share it.

    I don't. Simple as that. But then again maybe I'm stupid on this topic, which is why I posted in this community.

    Personally I think garlic is absolute magic, but I can 100% accept that others may not like it the same way, and some may be violently repelled by it. 🤷‍♂️

    Totally agreed, garlic is awesome, but I know some people out there may hate it. And some like it but can't eat it due to IBS.

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  • [–] 3 points 10 months ago

    My question is why it’s so extraordinarily prevalent

    Because many people like it, even though you don't. When done right it's a relatively subtle flavor that mixes well with others.

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  • [–] 15 points 10 months ago (2 children)

    No, because it has a delightful flavour for soups. Eating celery is blah, but in soups its magic. My memory is failing me, but I could have sworn celery was a source of glutamate.

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